Method and System for Joining a Virtual Talk Group

Abstract

A method for joining a virtual talk group includes facilitating communications of a virtual talk group. The virtual talk group includes a plurality of endpoints of different communication networks. The method also includes recording the communications of the plurality of endpoints of the virtual talk group. The method also includes adding a first endpoint to the virtual talk group and presenting the first endpoint with the recorded communications of the plurality of endpoints of the virtual talk group.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD OF THE INVENTION[0001]This invention relates in general to communication systems and, more particularly, to a method and system for joining a virtual talk group.BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION[0002]Many public and private groups, such as security and safety personnel (e.g., police, fire fighters and ambulance drivers) use various different communication devices operating on various different communication networks. For example, many public service organizations, such as police, fire and EMT, utilize land mobile radios communicating through push-to-talk technologies. Each organization may have its own communication network and / or its own communications channel. However, communications among different endpoints of different networks such as endpoints of different police, fire or other security networks may present a challenge. Collaboration between the different agencies and networks tends to be ad hoc and inefficient. When achieved, it often involves laborious manual inte...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0003]The present invention provides a method and system for joining a virtual talk group that substantially eliminates or reduces at least some of the disadvantages and problems associated with previous methods and systems.

[0008]Where the method includes presenting the first endpoint with the recorded communications, the method may include increasing the rate by which the recorded communications are presented.

[0012]Technical advantages of particular embodiments include systems and methods for providing an automated way of apprising users of endpoints that join a virtual talk group of the current situation within the virtual talk group. Accordingly, users of other endpoints within the virtual talk group may remain focused on their task, instead of diverting their attention to update the recently added endpoint. Particular embodiments may allow a user of the recently added endpoint to control the presentation of the previously recorded communications. Accordingly, the user may receive the information he wants, when and how he wants it. Particular embodiments allow for the information to be presented when there are no other communications within the virtual talk group. Accordingly, a user of an added endpoint may receive the recorded communications without missing current communications. In some embodiments the recorded communications may be presented to the endpoint such that they may be distinguished from the virtual talk group's communications. Thus, the user of the endpoint receiving both the recorded communications and the virtual talk group communications is able to distinguish between them.

Problems solved by technology

However, communications among different endpoints of different networks such as endpoints of different police, fire or other security networks may present a challenge.

Collaboration between the different agencies and networks tends to be ad hoc and inefficient.

When achieved, it often involves laborious manual intervention.

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